What You’ll Need
- Water. Use 4 cups to cook the grits.
- Quick-cooking grits. Slowly whisk 1 cup into the simmering water to keep lumps from forming.
- Sharp cheddar. Stir 2 cups of shredded cheese into the hot grits off the heat, until the cheese melts throughout.
How to Get Neat Grit Squares
Cook the grits until they’re thick enough to spread with a spatula. After baking, let them rest in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting. If you line the dish with parchment, leave an overhang on two sides so you can lift out the slab once it firms up.
What to Serve with Baked Grit Squares
Serve the squares warm with eggs and bacon at breakfast, or pair them with shrimp or braised greens at dinner.
Southern 3-Ingredient Baked Grit Squares Recipe Card
Sharp cheddar grits baked until set with golden edges, then sliced into 12 warm squares.
- Stovetop cook time — 5 to 7 minutes once the grits are added
- Bake time — 30 to 35 minutes
- Rest time — 10 to 15 minutes
- Yield — 12 squares
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the grits are thick and smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheddar until melted.
- Spread the grits evenly in the prepared dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Let rest in the dish for 10 to 15 minutes, then cut into 12 squares and serve warm.